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Subcision is a doctor-administered procedure that releases selected fibrous bands pulling depressed acne scars towards deeper tissue. It is mainly used for tethered rolling scars and selected boxcar scars.
Subcision is a doctor-administered procedure that releases selected fibrous bands pulling depressed acne scars towards deeper tissue. It is mainly used for tethered rolling scars and selected boxcar scars.
01 / How it works
During acne-related wound healing, abnormal fibrous attachments may connect the dermis to deeper tissue. These bands can pull the skin down, creating broad depressions, wave-like rolling contours, and shadows that become more noticeable under angled light. Subcision aims to mechanically release these selected attachments. After the tether is released, the depressed skin may move more freely, the visible shadow may soften, and local healing may add support beneath the scar over time.
Subcision does not remove the epidermis, and it is not a skin-resurfacing treatment by itself. It creates a controlled internal tissue injury, prompting normal healing which may involve clot formation, inflammation, and eventual connective-tissue deposition. It is vital to understand that subcision does not directly treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or post-inflammatory erythema (PIE), and it is not a pore-closing treatment. We plan these procedures conservatively, ensuring patients receive a safe approach based on their specific scar morphology.
Subcision is a doctor-administered procedure that releases selected fibrous bands pulling depressed acne scars towards deeper tissue. It is mainly used for tethered rolling scars and selected boxcar scars.
Share the concern, treatment area and change you would like to explore
Shape the approach around your features, preferences and schedule
Experience a carefully planned session with clear guidance throughout
Follow simple aftercare and review how the treatment is progressing

02 / Visual guide
Subcision is a doctor-administered procedure that releases selected fibrous bands pulling depressed acne scars towards deeper tissue. It is mainly used for tethered rolling scars and selected boxcar scars.
Interactive treatment map
Tap a numbered point to move from your concern to the treatment approach, how it works and a personalised plan.

Start with the change you have noticed and the result you would like to explore.
Concerns & areas
Explore common areas and goals, then discuss which are most relevant to you.
Learn how this area can be approached within a personalised treatment plan.
Who may benefit
Acne scars are not all the same, which is why a doctor’s assessment is mandatory.
Scar Classification: Our doctor examines your face under angled lighting to distinguish between rolling, boxcar, and ice-pick scars. Rolling scars are generally the most suited to subcision, while selected tethered boxcar scars may also partly improve. However, subcision is generally not the main treatment for narrow, deep ice-pick scars—these often require TCA CROSS, punch excision, or another focal technique.
What to discuss first
03 / Your treatment journey
A calm, well-explained experience at every stage.
Talk through the concern, your previous experiences and the result you would like to explore.
Review the treatment area, suitable options, expected experience and practical timing.
Arrive prepared and receive clear guidance throughout the treatment visit.
Leave with simple aftercare, helpful contact details and a plan for review.
The process begins with a consultation, scar classification, and baseline photography where appropriate. After sterile preparation, local anaesthetic or comfort measures are applied. The doctor then introduces a medical instrument to release selected tethered scars. Studies suggest that cannula-based approaches may have fewer adverse effects for broader rolling scars, while needle-based subcision provides focal release; the choice remains highly individualised.
Follow-up & Healing: Early swelling can temporarily lift scars, but true connective-tissue remodelling develops gradually. Many patients require more than one session, and mixed scars often need staged modalities. Complete scar removal is uncommon. For patients travelling from Singapore, same-day treatment depends on medical suitability, and visible bruising should be factored into your travel plans. We focus on safe, steady improvements rather than risking your skin health with overly aggressive procedures.
Because subcision works deliberately beneath the skin, temporary reactions such as tenderness, swelling, bruising, minor bleeding, and local firmness are expected. A larger haematoma may cause prolonged bruising or palpable nodules, and while infection is uncommon, it requires prompt assessment. We advise patients to seek urgent review if they experience rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain, spreading redness, pus, or any facial weakness, as facial anatomy contains important neural and vascular structures.
The absolute most important rule of safe recovery is following your doctor’s exact instructions: keep entry points completely clean, avoid aggressive massage unless explicitly instructed, delay makeup until advised, and protect the skin from sun exposure to minimise the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. By setting realistic expectations and providing detailed post-care guidance, we help patients safely navigate their recovery period.
04 / Practical expectations
Your experience will reflect the selected treatment, treatment area and individual response. These are the useful details to explore during your visit.
05 / Compare your options
Compare the treatment approach, the area it is designed for, the experience and the way results may develop—not only the name or price.
A useful starting point when you already know the treatment and want to understand it more clearly.
Opens a wider conversation about suitable approaches, timing, recovery and natural-looking results.
Treatment gallery
Explore the consultation, treatment setting and preparation through a carefully selected visual story.
Related concerns
Begin with the concern you notice, then discover treatment approaches and questions worth bringing to your consultation.
Patient knowledge guide
Four short questions explain the treatment, suitability and why assessment matters. This quiz educates—it does not diagnose or confirm treatment eligibility.
06 / Before you decide
Each treatment has its own considerations. Your consultation is the place to discuss expected benefits, possible side effects, alternatives and anything that may affect timing.
Read about informed consent07 / Recovery
Because subcision works deliberately beneath the skin, temporary reactions such as tenderness, swelling, bruising, minor bleeding, and local firmness are expected. A larger haematoma may cause prolonged bruising or palpable nodules, and while infection is uncommon, it requires prompt assessment. We advise patients to seek urgent review if they experience rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain, spreading redness, pus, or any facial weakness, as facial anatomy contains important neural and vascular structures.
The absolute most important rule of safe recovery is following your doctor’s exact instructions: keep entry points completely clean, avoid aggressive massage unless explicitly instructed, delay makeup until advised, and protect the skin from sun exposure to minimise the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. By setting realistic expectations and providing detailed post-care guidance, we help patients safely navigate their recovery period.
Contact the clinic08 / FAQ
Helpful answers for planning your consultation and understanding the treatment experience.
During acne-related wound healing, abnormal fibrous attachments may connect the dermis to deeper tissue. These bands can pull the skin down, creating broad depressions, wave-like rolling contours, and shadows that become more noticeable under angled light. Subcision aims to mechanically release these selected attachments. After the tether is released, the depressed skin may move more freely, the visible shadow may soften, and local healing may add support beneath the scar over time.
The process begins with a consultation, scar classification, and baseline photography where appropriate. After sterile preparation, local anaesthetic or comfort measures are applied. The doctor then introduces a medical instrument to release selected tethered scars. Studies suggest that cannula-based approaches may have fewer adverse effects for broader rolling scars, while needle-based subcision provides focal release; the choice remains highly individualised.
Subcision is a doctor-administered procedure that releases selected fibrous bands pulling depressed acne scars towards deeper tissue. It is mainly used for tethered rolling scars and selected boxcar scars.
Rolling scars generally respond best because they are commonly attached to deeper tissue by fibrous bands. Selected tethered boxcar scars may also improve, while narrow ice-pick scars usually need another focal treatment.
Subcision is generally not the main treatment for deep narrow ice-pick scars. TCA CROSS, punch excision or another focal technique may be more appropriate after scar assessment.
No. Flat brown marks are usually post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation rather than tethered scars. Pigment and depressed texture may require separate treatment plans.
Plan your next step
Share your goals with the Eco Botanic team and begin with a personalised consultation.